[Taboleo] Finally Released Lexus Electric Car... Driving Sensation, Now Smoother

Lexus' First Electric Vehicle RZ, SUV RX Test Drive
Coupe-Style 'Electric RZ'
Aerodynamic Design with Spindle Body
Interior Designed for Unity with the Car
Front-Wheel Drive-Based All-Wheel Drive
5th Generation RX Model Released After 7 Years
RX500h, Turbo Hybrid Combined with Bipolar Nickel-Metal Battery

The strong impression I had when I first drove a Lexus over a decade ago is still vivid. I realized that it is indeed possible to make a car run so quietly, and that if engineering technology is honed to the extreme, such results can be achieved. I often heard that the true value of a Lexus, which has few minor breakdowns, can only be appreciated after driving it for more than five years, but honestly, I was more curious about its ability to control noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).

Lexus 5th generation RX (photo left) and pure electric vehicle RZ

Nowadays, German luxury brands sell a lot, but in the mid-2000s, it was the heyday of Japanese cars. Leading the charge was Lexus. By emphasizing quietness and durability, it significantly lowered the psychological barrier to imported cars, which had previously been regarded mostly as luxury items. It contributed considerably to the growth of the imported car market as it is today. A few years ago, Lexus had to endure a difficult period due to the boycott of Japanese products in Korea and recent perceptions that it was lagging behind in electrification trends. As a result of perseverance, Lexus recently introduced its first dedicated electric vehicle, the RZ, and the latest model of the hybrid sports utility vehicle (SUV) RX, which has steady demand both domestically and internationally. The market response has been positive so far.

Lexus has finally released its first electric vehicle.

△Yes, the RZ is indeed the first electric vehicle built on a dedicated platform. Lexus and its parent company Toyota were the first to create hybrids and remain the top sellers of them. Since hybrids use motors and batteries, it is reasonable to say that they have accumulated sufficient technology related to the drivetrain even for pure electric vehicles without engines. In fact, the automotive industry has suspected that Toyota and Lexus’s delay in launching pure electric vehicles might be due to some other hidden reasons.

Lexus Pure Electric Vehicle RZ

The model I drove this time was the all-new electric RZ 450e, a coupe-style SUV with a sleek appearance. In terms of size, it sits roughly between the existing mid-size NX and the mid-large RX. The front features the signature spindle grille evolved into a spindle body emphasizing aerodynamic design. The aerodynamic coefficient is 0.29 cd, the best among Lexus SUVs so far. The rear exterior has a straight rear light base with L-shaped rear lamps. The newly designed brand emblem also gives a subtle impression.

The interior design, especially the layout that helps the driver focus on driving, stands out. It is called the Tazuna concept, which means “bridle” in Japanese. It is designed so that the driver feels a sense of unity with the vehicle and can concentrate comfortably on driving. The large panoramic glass roof applied to the high-end (Luxury) trim is also impressive. Typically, vehicles with sunroofs have a motorized shade, but this car’s sunroof allows you to adjust the light transmission level by pressing a button. Without a motor and shade, more headroom space was secured for passengers inside.

Electric vehicles often use a lot of recycled materials in the name of carbon neutrality, but the ultrasuede used in this car is a plant-based material that still satisfies a luxurious feel. The glove box on the passenger side was removed, which might be unpopular with some.

RZ 450e panoramic glass roof. Instead of using a sunshade, it has a dimming function that allows you to adjust the transparency simply by pressing a button.

Is the ride comfort of the electric vehicle uncomfortable?

△The RZ is an all-wheel-drive based on front-wheel drive. This differs from most manufacturers who develop electric vehicle-exclusive models based on rear-wheel drive, as Lexus prioritizes comfortable ride quality above all. The front motor produces 150 kW, the rear 80 kW, for a combined output of 312 horsepower. The front-to-rear torque, which affects initial acceleration, is precisely adjusted from 100:0 to 0:100.

Although it is capable of the explosive initial acceleration typical of electric vehicles, it does not apply this aggressively, likely aiming for quiet and pleasant driving. There is no impression of lacking power during city or regular highway driving, whether at initial acceleration or at steady speeds. When increasing speed and passing through curves, the smooth driving sensation, as if the wheels are gripping the road flawlessly, is a refined result of Lexus’s expertise. The regenerative braking feels less jerky, which also seems to be an intentional setting to maintain the brand’s unique driving feel.

RZ 450e Front Seat

What has changed in the new RX?

△The RX launched domestically this time is the 5th generation model unveiled after 7 years. This means its matured product appeal has been sufficiently verified in the market. Like the RZ, the new RX emphasizes a sleek impression with the spindle body and a lowered center of gravity on the exterior. The interior also applies the Tazuna concept.

The expression used by Chief Engineer Takaaki Ono, who oversaw RX development, was impressive when explaining the new car. When asked what they focused on during development, he said, “We had in mind a car that makes (the driver) smile.” This is not a metaphor. They literally aimed to create a car that naturally makes you feel good while holding the steering wheel and driving. As a core model of the brand that has had a successful run, they had to take a conservative approach during development, but Akio Toyoda, the current Toyota chairman, encouraged the team by saying, “It’s okay to fail, so try various things.”

Lexus RX 500h Interior

Is hybrid driving boring?

△The test-driven model was the highest-spec RX500h F Sport Performance among the RX lineup. In Korea, besides this, there are three trims to choose from: the base hybrid RX350h and the plug-in hybrid 450h Plus. The RX500h combines a 2.4L turbo hybrid engine with a bipolar nickel-metal battery. The rear wheels are equipped with an e-axle containing a 76 kW motor, enhancing driving capability. The all-wheel-drive system controls torque distribution between front and rear wheels from 100:0 to 20:80.

Additionally, it applies a technology called Dynamic Rear Steering, which steers the rear wheels in the same or opposite direction as the front wheels depending on driving conditions. This helps reduce turning radius and improves driving stability. While the driving feel is fundamentally relaxed and comfortable, it also gives a solid impression when passing through curves or bumps. As a high-performance trim, it does not hide its ample driving capabilities.

Lexus RX

Lexus RX350h Headlamp

Lexus RX350h Center Display

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.